Don't fear the base N, I find myself rationalizing the non PP as a better buy for non track use. More so now that they are easier to find. The I30N PP got a lot more goodies, but for the VN I'm seeing wheels, diff, exhaust, brakes.
I will be putting 18" wheels on whatever I end up with, base N gives me a factory winter set. No sealed lsd with unknown fluid life (this is a stretch, I do want the lsd but). The exhaust is probably similar to the PP sport setting, which is what I would see myself using 95% of the time anyway (I don't want the constant bangs nor do I want it quiet).
It weighs less and should have less drivetrain loss. The final drive ratios seem more evenly spread than whats in the PP, it seems like even though the N isn't a "numbers" car they did really focus the PP's first 2 gears for 0-60, then a noticeable dropoff in 3rd.
Brakes, I'm not really sure. I see slightly bigger rotors and vented rears but any difference in calipers beyond cosmetic?
Outside of track use or extended canyon carving I'm not convinced the base N is the underdog it's made out to be, at least as a fun daily.